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Justice, McGriff join Braves camp as instructors

Justice, McGriff join Braves camp as instructors

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MLB.com |

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- There was a nostalgic feel in the air on Monday when the Braves welcomed David Justice and Fred McGriff to Spring Training to serve as special instructors over the course of the next week.

"It's always good to come back to any function with the Braves," Justice said. "This is where my heart is. Even though I played with other teams, this is home for me."

As the Braves took the field for Monday's workout, Justice was proudly wearing the Braves uniform again and gladly taking time to reminisce about the game-winning solo homer he hit in the decisive Game 6 of the 1995 World Series.

"When you are done playing, all you have is your memories," Justice said. "People will want to talk about it. I enjoy talking about it. It was a wonderful moment, not only for me and the Braves, but think about the wonderful moment for the fans, too. All of us are all included in that moment."

Chipper Jones seemed to enjoy seeing Justice back in his No. 23 and McGriff once again wearing No. 27 on the back of his Braves uniform. Both of the former players took time to provide some assistance to Jason Heyward, Tyler Pastornicky and any of the players who were willing to pick their brains.

"It's always good to have the alumni back spreading their knowledge," Jones said. "Those guys were the guys who took me under their wing and really gave me so much guidance when I was younger."

With first-base coach Terry Pendleton also in camp, Justice pointed out that the Braves have reunited the core of the lineup that they utilized after McGriff was acquired from the Padres midway through the 104-win, 1993 season.

"We've got Terry Pendleton, me and Freddie," Justice said. "We've got the three, four and five hitters. I'll take on any coaching staff in the 20-mile radius ... for one inning."